2002-2003 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
Information Management
Credit designation at right of title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (sh) semester hours of credit per semester.
IFMG: Information Management
Department of Management Information Systems and Decision Sciences
Eberly College of Business and Information Technology
Note: All courses at the 300 and 400 level are open only to students with junior or senior standing. All students, regardless of major or program affiliation, must meet course prerequisite requirements in order to enroll for a given course. Business majors (except those majoring in Business Education) who have not achieved Junior Standing are normally not permitted to enroll in 300- or 400-level courses.
IFMG 101 Microbased Computer Literacy
3c-0l-3sh
An introductory course designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of computers. Familiarizes students with the interaction of computer hardware and software. An emphasis is placed on the application of microcomputers, the use of productivity software (word processing, spreadsheet management, file and database management), and the social and ethical aspect of the impact of computers on society. Note: Course is cross-listed as BTED101 and COSC 101. Any of these courses may be substituted for each other and may be used interchangeably for D or F repeats but may not be counted for duplicate credit.
IFMG 201 Internet and Multimedia
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: BTED/COSC/IFMG 101 or prior exposure to word processing and electronic mail
The major focus will be on the evaluation of information and multimedia resources available on electronic networks when doing research in an area of one’s choice. This information literacy course is designed for students to gain a more in-depth understanding of the information resources available electronically and of how to utilize them more effectively in communicating. Students will learn how to access and utilize these resources for two-way communications and support for decision making while incorporating selected elements in multimedia presentations of their own design. (BTED/CM/COSC/IFMG/LIBR 201 may be used interchangeably for D or F repeats and may not be counted for duplicate credit.)
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: BTED/COSC/IFMG 101
An introductory course designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of MIS. Systems theory, quality, decision making, and the organizational role of information systems are introduced. Information technology, including basic programming skills, is stressed. Concepts of organization, information system growth, telecommunications, and re-engineering are introduced.
IFMG 251 Business Systems Analysis and Design
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: ACCT 201 and IFMG205
Involves teaching the tools and techniques required for the analysis and the design of business systems. The major steps in the system’s development life cycle are presented along with practical applications from the major subsystems of typical business organizations. Issues related to personnel, hardware, software, and procedures are explored as students work individually and in project teams to solve typical business application problems.
IFMG 255 Business Applications in COBOL
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: ACCT 201 and IFMG 205
Introduces the student to the COBOL programming language as it applies to business organizations and their applications. Structured COBOL concepts and methods are taught as the student learns how to solve business problems using computers. The student will be involved using files, reports, and tables to produce a variety of outputs utilized in operating and managing business activities.
IFMG 261 Micro Database Systems
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: BTED/COSC/IFMG101
The fundamentals of database management including different database models and database design issues will be examined. Emphasizes the use of various tools of relational database software, including report generators, screen builders, and query facilities. Design techniques and software tools will be used in creating a database application. Intended as an elective for business students who are not majoring in MIS. MIS majors will not be allowed to count this course towards satisfying their graduation requirements.
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.
IFMG 300 Information Systems: Theory and Practice
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: ACCT 202, COSC/BTED/IFMG 101
Includes basic MIS concepts, fundamentals, and practices. Broad areas of coverage are principles, the computer as a problem-solving tool, Computer-Based Information Systems (CBIS), organizational information systems, and Information Systems management.
IFMG 350 Business Systems Technology
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COSC 220 or IFMG 255
Student is taught fundamental and advanced concepts of computer hardware and a procedure for evaluation and acquisition of computer hardware.
IFMG 352 LAN Design and Installation
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: BTST 313 or IFMG 350 or any COSC course numbered 300 or higher
A study of fundamental local area networking concepts. Detailed study of the basics of local area network (LAN) technology. Comparative study of commercially available LAN systems and products. Features a hands-on laboratory implementation of a LAN. Cross-listed as COSC 352. Either course may be substituted for the other for D/F repeats but may not be taken for duplicate credit.
IFMG 354 Testing and Controlling LANs
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COSC 352 or IFMG 352 or equivalent
Explores local area network (LAN) topologies and their associated protocols. Introduces ways of interconnecting, securing, and maintaining LANs. Provides students with hands-on experience in the interconnection of multiple LANs. Also presents a hands-on approach to design, testing, and administration of interconnected LANs. Cross-listed as COSC 354. Either course may be substituted for the other for D/F repeats but may not be taken for duplicate credit.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COSC 220
Corequisite: IFMG 350
A continuation of introductory COBOL with an emphasis on structured methodology of program design, development, testing, implementation, and documentation of common business-oriented applications. It includes a heavy emphasis on the techniques and concepts of the table processing, file organization, and processing alternatives, internal and external sorting, subroutines, and application development for both the batch and on-line systems. Micro Focus COBOL software is utilized.
IFMG 372 Microcomputer Applications
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: ACCT 201, COSC 220, IFMG 350, or by permission
Demonstrates how to use the microcomputer in business and how to provide technical assistance to users of the microcomputer. An emphasis will be placed on integrating software and interfacing with mainframe computers or with minicomputers. Topics covered include microcomputer hardware, microcomputer operating systems, local area networks, and microcomputer software tools.
IFMG 382 Auditing for EDP Systems
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: ACCT 201, COSC 220 or IFMG 255
Emphasizes the responsibility of the systems analyst to include in systems design the proper management and financial controls and audit trails in business information systems. The design of controls for application programs and systems is covered. Audit software packages are examined.
IFMG 450 Database Theory and Application
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: IFMG 370, upper-division students only
After learning data structures, the student will then apply them to CODASYL compatible database management systems, TOTAL, and IBM’s database management system. Student must develop and use a database as part of requirement. [Course revision in process]
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: IFMG 350 and 255 or COSC 220
Develops an understanding of concepts and techniques involving conventional and structured approaches to analyzing problems of business information systems and systems definition feasibility, as well as quantitative and evaluative techniques of business information systems analysis.
IFMG 455 Data Warehousing and Mining
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: IFMG 450 or 261 or COSC 441, and MATH 214 or 216
Introduces students to the strategies, technologies, and techniques associated with this growing MIS specialty area. Composed of two main parts. In the first part, students will learn the basic methodology for planning, designing, building, using, and managing a data warehouse. In the second part, students will learn how to use different data mining techniques to derive information from the data warehouse for strategic and long-term business decision making.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: IFMG 451
Students learn tools and techniques for design of a business system. Along with classroom discussions of principles and techniques for analyzing, designing, and constructing the system, students will formulate system teams to analyze the problems of an existing business information system, to design an improved system, and to control implementation of a new system.
IFMG 480 Distributed Business Information Systems
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: IFMG 350
A study of the techniques involved in planning, design, and implementation of distributed processing systems. Distributed marketing, financial, and corporate accounting systems are included.
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics courses are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for upper-level undergraduate students.
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
Individual research and analysis of contemporary problems and issues in a concentrated area of study under the guidance of a senior faculty member. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.
IFMG 485 Seminar: IS Current Topics
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: IFMG 300, senior standing
Current topics and issues in information systems in the business environment are addressed through systematic coverage of current literature and/or electronic sources. Practitioner publications and academic journals integrate emerging technologies and information issues with identification of their impact on the management of business organizations. Not a capstone requirement but a vehicle to explore a variety of topics in the field.
var-3-12sh
Prerequisites: IFMG 370, consent of department chairperson and dean
Positions with participating business, industry, or governmental organizations provide the student with experience in systems analysis. Note: Internship IFMG 493 can be taken, if the student qualifies, as a general elective. It does not fulfill the major-area elective requirement.
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